How to Reset Printer

Lawrence Bonk Avatar

Written by:

Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:13 PM

Table of Contents

Printers can be annoying, especially when they start acting out, and you have no idea how to reset a high-performing printer. Your spoon is left in a pickle. Let’s face it, printing has never been enjoyable, and especially when it’s bulk work. At times, it gets annoyingly redundant standing there watching paper gush out of the feeder again and again.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • If you are experiencing connectivity or troubleshooting issues that you can’t seem to resolve, then resetting your printer settings may just help you get back and running again.
  • A printer reset will delete all printers from your printer list, clear all completed and queued print jobs, and delete all stored printer presets.
  • It’s important to note that some manufacturers have installed a printer reset button on their devices, those that don’t have a laid-out process to reset the printer.

Modern printers are made for the user’s convenience. They hardly present any problems and don’t need a lot of input from the user. But like any other technical equipment, users may encounter problems. So, what do you do when a paper jam doesn’t clear after carefully getting out the stuck paper or trying to clear a queue?

At this point, you may need to perform a printer reset.

Why do I need to Reset my Printer?

If you cannot print on your printer after trying all laid out solutions, resetting your system could help. It is essential to note that a printer reset will delete all printers from your printer list, clear all completed and queued print jobs, and delete all stored printer presets.

Using this feature is common, especially when users want to clear a queue, jam, or solve a different set of troubleshooting options. It’s also important to note that some manufacturers have installed a printer button on their devices, those that don’t have a laid-out process to reset the printer.

Resetting your Printer

If you are experiencing connectivity or troubleshooting issues that you can’t seem to resolve, then resetting your printer settings may just help you get back and running again. It is also a great way to prevent users’ personal information like security settings and passwords from being accessed by third parties. After resetting your printer, you can also reset your printer cartridge and prevent ink waste, thus saving money on ink replacement costs.

To successfully reset your printer, do the following:

  1. First, turn your printer off. Disconnect the printer’s cable from the mains for about 30 seconds before reconnecting it back to power.
  2. Next, turn on your printer while you press and hold the “Resume button for about 10 to 20 seconds. You will notice the printer’s “Attention” button light up.
  3. Release the “Resume” button. The printer’s “Attention” and “Ready” lights will begin to cycle. At this point, your printer is restoring its factory defaults.

How to Hard Reset your Printer

Hard resetting your printer is relatively easy. Do the following;

  1. Before you begin the reset process, check to make sure your printer cartridge is still installed. Turn off the printer, and then remove the cord from its power source. Remember, the reset process won’t initiate without the cartridge or removing the device from power.
  2. Next, wait for about a minute, plug your printer back to the mains, and turn it on. Wait for a few seconds for the printer cartridge to center, and then try to print again.

It’s important to note that resetting your printer returns its settings to factory defaults. For most printers, this process will not reset the page count, language, or tray size. If you are still experiencing issues resetting your printer, check your printer’s owner manual for specific instructions for your device. If this reset process does not work, it’s time to do some printer repairs at home, like cleaning the printer head.

F.A.Q.S

How do I rest my printer?

To successfully reset your printer, turn it off, and disconnect it from power for 30 seconds before connecting it back. Press and hold the “Resume” button for about 20 seconds. Release the “Resume’ Button.


Does my printer have a reset button?

Depending on your printer’s make and model, it may or may not have a reset button. It’s important to note that some manufacturers have installed a printer button on their devices, those that don’t, have a laid-out process to reset the printer.


Will hard resetting affect language and tray size?

For most printers, this process will not reset the page count, language, or tray size.


What do I do if my printer is not resetting?

If you are still experiencing issues resetting your printer, check your printer’s owner manual for specific instructions for your device.

What can I do if my printer is not clearing a paper jam or queue?

If you cannot print on your printer after trying all laid out solutions, resetting your system could help. A printer reset will delete all printers from your printer list, clear all completed and queued print jobs, and delete all stored printer presets.



STAT: The U.S printing industry revenue decreased by 9.4% in 2020. In 2021, the total revenue is estimated at $1,463 million and is expected to grow yearly by -1.95% (source)

Lawrence Bonk Avatar

Learn More About Printers